LOUIS KIRBY FROM SCUNTHORPE AND NEW HOLLAND: SHOCKING SEX OFFENDER CASES IN SHEFFIELD AND GRIMSBY
In May 2019, a concerning case involving Louis Kirby, a convicted sex offender from Scunthorpe and New Holland, unfolded at Sheffield Crown Court, highlighting ongoing issues with his mental health and social media misconduct.The court was informed that Kirby, aged 24 at the time, had caused significant distress to young girls through persistent and obscene online contact, despite being under strict legal restrictions.
Initially, Kirby was due to be sentenced after a lengthy legal process that saw his case repeatedly postponed for additional medical assessments.
The delays were largely due to concerns over his physical and mental well-being, with the court emphasizing the importance of ensuring he receives proper medical attention.
The case was adjourned once more to allow Kirby to see a doctor while in prison custody, reflecting the court’s serious concern for his health.
Kirby had admitted to causing or inciting four girls, all under 16, to engage in sexual activities between 2015 and 2017.
His actions included making overt sexual comments and engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child, actions that resulted in deeply unpleasant consequences for the victims.
His targeted social media contacts were described as persistent and obscene, with police involvement failing to deter his behavior.
On April 26 of the previous year, Kirby, then residing on Barrow Road, New Holland, received a two-year suspended prison sentence at Grimsby Crown Court.
Alongside this, he was subjected to a three-month curfew from 7 pm to 7 am, and was ordered to register as a sex offender for seven years.
An indefinite sexual harm prevention order was also imposed to restrict his online activities.
However, Kirby’s violations of the court’s orders did not cease.
On July 4, he breached the sexual harm prevention order by engaging in internet chat and making Facebook contact with others, in addition to owning a mobile phone and opening a social media account in defiance of the restrictions.
These breaches also included failing to comply with notification requirements as a sex offender.
During a subsequent hearing, defense barrister Katherine Goddard QC explained that a referral had been made for a possible hospital order for Kirby, though no assessment date had been set.
Judge Jeremy Richardson QC expressed grave concern over Kirby’s health and behavior, stating, “This young man has very many difficulties and has committed offences that are serious.
I know that there are concerns about his mental health in prison.” The judge emphasized the importance of medical evaluation, stating, “I want this young man to see a doctor at the prison.
I am very concerned about his mental state and his physical health.” Judge Richardson further remarked on the potential implications of his health issues, questioning where Kirby would go if prison was deemed unsuitable.
He stressed the court’s determination to involve medical professionals and to ensure appropriate punishment, while also considering the safety of the public.
The judge made it clear that prison might be the only option if no alternative treatment could be arranged, warning that “time is running out” and that his patience was limited.
The case was adjourned until May 20 for further proceedings.
Earlier in March 2019, the court had already expressed concerns about Kirby’s continued online misconduct.
It was revealed that, just two months after admitting to inciting four girls to engage in sexual activity, he was messaging young girls on Facebook again.
Evidence indicated that some of these girls were from Louth and other parts of Lincolnshire, with Kirby’s online activity raising alarms about his ongoing risk to the community.
Kirby’s social media activity was described as highly inappropriate.
He had set up multiple accounts, including one under the alias ‘Joe Tate,’ where he appeared topless and maintained an all-female friends list, including girls as young as 11.
His online contacts included girls aged 14 and 15, as well as young mothers and even international connections in Brazil and Spain.
Many of these girls openly shared personal details, including Snapchat usernames, which could have facilitated direct contact.
The investigation uncovered a profile with numerous selfies, family photos, and a funeral order of service from 2015, all linked convincingly to Kirby.
The profile was littered with abusive messages and threats, indicating public suspicion of his identity.
The profile’s friend list was extensive, spanning across Britain and internationally, with some girls openly identifying as bisexual or posting images of their children.
This online presence demonstrated a blatant disregard for restrictions and posed a significant threat to vulnerable minors.
In court, the prosecution highlighted that Kirby had used multiple social media accounts to contact underage girls, sending obscene images and making overt sexual comments.
Despite being on the sex offenders register, he continued to offend, breaching his orders repeatedly.
Judge Richardson described his conduct as “obscene in the extreme,” and handed him a two-year suspended sentence, a three-month curfew, and the indefinite sexual harm prevention order.
Back in February 2018, Kirby’s pattern of offending was already evident.
The court was told that he had used different social media accounts to make persistent contact with four girls under 16, sending obscene content and refusing to cease even when police became involved.
His actions, including causing or inciting sexual activity and engaging in sexual acts in front of a child, resulted in a suspended jail term, a curfew, and a sexual harm prevention order.
The court’s judgment underscored the deeply disturbing nature of his offenses and the ongoing risk he posed to the community, especially to young girls in Lincolnshire and beyond.
